3M and Broadband Products, Inc. have reached a settlement of a lawsuit brought by 3M in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas regarding a patent dispute involving butt-splice connector products.

Trademarked by 3M as the “Scotchlok Connector,” the insulation-displacement connector (IDC) or “U” connector was introduced by 3M for use by phone companies that needed an efficient splicing method for plastic-insulated copper wire. The IDC, developed by 3M inventors, reduced splicing to a single step. 3M Scotchlok connectors include butt, tap and inline connectors.

As part of the settlement, Broadband Products has agreed to stop importing, making, using, offering for sale and selling UY2-type and UR2-type butt-splice connectors. The remaining details of the settlement are confidential.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.

3MJacqueline L. Berry, 651-733-3611